Caméline: A Favorite Restaurant in Vieux-Hull

Opened in the spring of 2023, Caméline quickly became a must-visit in Gatineau – even earning a spot among the finalists for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants enRoute. Located in Vieux-Hull, this humble address enchants with its authenticity, elegant yet simple decor, and especially its delicious cuisine, which combines Italian traditions with local products. It’s a restaurant that is absolutely worth discovering!

Why Caméline? The name comes from the meeting of classic Italian culinary techniques and Quebec’s terroir. Between olive oil, essential in Italian cooking, and camelina oil, which represents Quebec, the small yellow flower symbolizes this beautiful union between the two culinary cultures.

A Passionate and Charming Team

The three co-owners of Caméline form a perfectly complementary team. Simon Laroche, with his experience in Italian cuisine, is the creative chef behind the stove. Alexandre Régimbal, a key figure in Vieux-Hull, has climbed the ranks in the restaurant industry since he was 18, bringing solid expertise in management and service. “Everyone knows Alex!” jokes his partner, Audrey Labelle, a design enthusiast and food lover, who played a key role in the space’s design and branding. Together, they have created a warm and charming place where every detail has been thought out to provide a pleasant experience.

The location, in the heart of Vieux-Hull, was not chosen by chance. Alexandre was already working at Rustiek, which occupied the space until its closure in the spring of 2023. The owners are deeply attached to the neighborhood and share the mission of participating in the revitalization of downtown after the challenges posed by recent years. The Caméline restaurant is a true contribution to the rebirth of the area!

An Ode to Italian Cuisine

Caméline does not present itself as a classic Italian restaurant. The concept is based on the use of Italian techniques, but in a relaxed and modern atmosphere. Simon Laroche, a former chef at North & Navy and trained in Italy, applies his expertise while adding a Québécois touch. The menu changes weekly based on the seasons and the arrivals from local farms, ensuring constant freshness and variety. It features local, seasonal ingredients while straying from the clichés of traditional trattorias. Here, creativity is on display, and the dishes are simple, flavorful, and have a touch of inventiveness. The fresh pasta is the house specialty and is definitely worth trying! Diners can enjoy between two and three signature dishes, such as stuffed pasta or vegetarian creations, all prepared with care.

The carefully curated wine list, created by Alexandre, offers private imports as well as classic and bolder wines from agencies like Boires, la QV, PlanV, and Vin dans les voiles. For cocktail enthusiasts, Caméline features 5 to 6 house creations in addition to classic favorites. Whether you are a wine lover or a cocktail fan, you will find something to enhance your meal.

Caméline: Local Pride of Vieux-Hull

What makes the owners of Caméline most proud is their success in creating a restaurant that stands out for its unpretentious quality. The establishment has managed to attract a young and dynamic clientele, reflecting the spirit of its owners, proving that there was a place for this type of gastronomy in the region. In a neighborhood that is reinventing itself, Caméline plays a catalytic role and is part of a new wave of entrepreneurs breathing life back into Vieux-Hull.

Caméline is not only a charming restaurant but also a true culinary adventure that celebrates creativity, conviviality, and high quality; paying homage to Italian cuisine while remaining rooted in its neighborhood and its Québécois heritage.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Mikael Lebleu

Last update: October 10, 2024

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